State Urging Homeowners to Register For STAR Program

BUFFALO, N.Y.-Homeowners who qualify for the Basic STAR program and those who still haven't registered for it are urged to do so as soon as possible.

Those who have not yet registered could lose out on a lot of money.

The program is a partial exemption from school taxes for most homeowners with incomes less than $500,000.

The deadline to register is December 31st and nearly one third of eligible residents in Niagara County alone still have not signed up.

"The deadline is fast approaching, December 31st. The holidays are coming, people have their minds on other things, but if you don't sign up, next October when you get your school property tax bill it's going to be $700-$800 more than what it would be if you do sign up today," said state Senator George Maziarz (R)-62nd District.

Representatives from the state tax department will be on hand at the Niagara Falls DMV Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist residents through the application process.